Before You Arrive
Congratulations, and welcome to UOP International!
Soon you’ll be on the exciting University of the Pacific campus in Stockton, California. Before you arrive, complete the steps below to avoid common issues or delays for international students.
If you have any questions, contact us and we’ll be happy to help!
Contact Your Advisor
We have a team of dedicated personal advisors whose job it is to make sure all your questions are answered and to ensure you have a smooth transition to the university.
Before you start on any of the steps below, contact your local personal advisor. Simply select your region of the world below, and send your advisor an email, Skype, WhatsApp, or WeChat message. We look forward to meeting you very soon!
Africa
China
Latin
America
Middle East/North Africa
North
America
North Asia
Russia/Central Asia/Eastern Europe
South
Asia
Southeast
Asia
UK and Western Europe
What to Do Before You Arrive at
University of the Pacific
After you receive the electronic copy of your I-20, complete the following steps before booking your visa appointment:
- Schedule a free visa information and preparation session with your personal Enrollment Advisor.
- Check that the details on your I-20 are correct (including your date of birth) and make sure your name is the same as it appears on your passport.
- Prepare the documents you will need to take to the embassy when attending your visa interview.
Immigration Documents:
- Passport
- Visa
- I-20
- Letter of Acceptance
- SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt
- Customers Letter and G-28 Document included in your acceptance packet
Original Documents:
- Academic transcripts, sealed in an envelope and certified
- Academic certificates
- English proficiency test scores
- Bank Statement
After you complete the above steps, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible. It requires an interview with the U.S. Embassy and can sometimes take several weeks to schedule.
- Complete your Visa Application.
- Pay your I-90 (SEVIS) fee.
- Visit usembassy.gov to learn more about scheduling your visa appointment, what to expect when you arrive and the documentation you need to take with you.
- Notify your enrollment advisor of the date and embassy location of your visa appointment.
- Watch these videos to help you apply for your visa and prepare for your interview:
Other links that international students find useful:
When purchasing your ticket to your new city, plan to arrive on or before your scheduled move-in day.
We are so excited for you to join us on campus! To ensure a smooth transition to your new home, plan to arrive on or before your official move-in day. The Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is highly recommended as our primary airport and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is our secondary airport as a back-up if necessary.
For the Stockton campuses:
The Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is highly recommended as our primary airport for your arrival. The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can used as a back-up if necessary.
For the San Francisco campus:
The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is highly recommended as our primary airport for your arrival.
Once you book your flights, you must fill out the student arrival form. If your family is joining you, you must also complete the family arrival form.
Move-In Dates
For all undergraduate and graduate program move-in dates, please visit the Important Dates page.
We are looking forward to meeting you in person!
To help avoid delays with enrollment, make your tuition and fees payment in full two weeks before you arrive.
When you begin, have your acceptance letter in front of you, as you will need to refer to the information in the letter.
Choose between two ways to submit payment for tuition and fees:
Flywire by Peer Transfer: Please visit UOP’s Flywire portal (location depends on your program) to complete the transfer process. Please note that you can NOT use a U.S. credit card or U.S. bank account.
You will need to complete the following forms before your arrival, and bring them with you during orientation.
*Please read the documents very carefully and complete all forms before your arrival and bring the completed forms with you during orientation.
All University of the Pacific Academic Accelerator Program incoming students are required to submit all of the immigration documents prior to enrolling in classes.
You must complete the following items before being permitted to begin your classes at the University of the Pacific:
- Attend mandatory orientation at UOP International (date and time are listed in your acceptance letter from UOP International)
- Submit completed Immunization Form to UOP International (this must be completed, signed and stamped by your medical doctor)
- Submit proof of health insurance to UOP International
Bring the following documents to the UOP International orientation:
- Original and valid passport
- Original Form(s) I-20
- F-1 visa (stamped on your passport)/F-2 visa (for dependents)
- Copy of your Form I-94 (to print your Form I-94, please visit https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
Note: If you have not submitted original financial documents (no photocopies) before your I-20 was issued, you will be required to bring them with you when you attend the UOP International orientation.
Here is a list of suggestions on what to bring.
MONEY AND BANKING
WHAT TO WAER
A variety of clothing types should be considered when packing. However, you will have plenty of opportunities to purchase any additional clothing or supplies once you arrive. To check the weather depending on campus location, please see our California Living page.
ELECTRICAL ADAPTER
U.S. electrical outlets are 120 V with a frequency of 60 Hz.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE
Keep medication in its original pharmacy packaging in case you are asked questions at customs. Be prepared to present prescriptions from your doctor to immigration officials upon request.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Please carry your personal emergency contact information and the phone number found in your pre-arrival email from UOP International. Store this in your wallet or purse at all times.
LAPTOP AND CHARGER
A laptop is not required, but you can purchase one once you arrive to campus. Wireless internet service is available on campus.
REMINDER
All carry-on liquids and gels must be 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less by volume in one (1) quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag (tsa.gov/travel/securityscreening/liquids-rule).
DO NOT bring any sharp objects, such as scissors or a penknife, as these will be confiscated by TSA airport security.
DO NOT pack any food or beverages. You will be able to purchase these items once you pass through security at the airport.
Here is what to expect on arrival day!
CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION
You must pass through Customs and Border Protection upon arrival in the United States. If you are held up at Customs and Border Protection for any reason upon your arrival, please be sure to give the officer your Customs Letter and G-28 Document that shows support available. If you are also able to call, please contact UOP International.
AIRPORT PICKUP
We will provide you with a free airport transfer from the Sacramento International Airport (Stockton and Sacramento campus students) or San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco campus students) to your residence. Your driver will be holding a sign that reads “UOP International.”
If you do not see your greeter within 15 minutes of reaching the Ground Transportation area of Arrivals, please follow these directions: Find the nearest public pay phone or use your cell phone and dial the UOP International Help Line.
Once an operator answers, please say “Hello, I’m a UOP International student and I can’t find my driver. My name is [say your full name slowly] from [home country name]. I am waiting in Terminal [letter or number] in the Ground Transportation area and wearing [color and description of clothes].” The friendly operator will help find your greeter/driver promptly.
WHERE TO GO
Once you arrive on campus, you will be escorted to your residence.
Reception details and the orientation schedule will be included in your welcome packet upon arrival.
Housing check-in will be in a pre-arrival email.
ARRIVING EARLY?
If you arrive before your move-in day, you will need to arrange accommodations at a local hotel. Consider staying at one of the following local hotels until the official move-in date. Please note that you will also need to arrange transportation from your hotel to your residence on move-in day.
Please report to the UOP International campus to check in on move-in day at the housing check-in address listed in your prearrival email.
Stockton Campus: Local Accommodations |
If friends or family travel with you to campus, we recommend the following area hotels:
Hotel | Contact Information |
| Best Western Plus Heritage Inn | 111 East March Lane Stockton, CA 95207 (1.5 miles from campus) |
| Hilton Stockton | 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. Stockton, CA 95207 (2.3 miles from campus) |
| Courtyard by Marriott | 3252 West March Lane Stockton, CA 95219 (3.3 miles from campus) |
| Extended Stay by Marriott | 2844 West March Lane Stockton, CA 95219 (3.4 miles from campus) |
| Sacramento Campus: Local Accommodations |
If friends or family travel with you to campus, we recommend the following area hotels:
Hotel | Contact Information |
| Courtyard Sacramento Midtown | 4422 Y St. Sacramento, CA 95817 916.455.6800 (1.4 miles from campus) |
| The Westin Sacramento | 4800 Riverside Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95822 916.443.8400 (3.8 miles from campus) |
300 J St. Sacramento, CA 95814 916.446.0100 (5.3 miles from campus) | |
| Larkspur Landing Sacramento | 555 Howe Ave. Sacramento, CA 95825 916.646.1212 (6.7 miles from campus) |
San Francisco Campus: Local Accommodations |
If friends or family travel with you to campus, we recommend the following area hotels:
Hotel | Contact Information |
| The Pickwick Hotel San Francisco | 85 Fifth Street San Francisco, CA 94103 415.267.3940 (0.1 miles from campus) |
| Hotel Zetta San Francisco | 55 Fifth Street San Francisco, CA 94103 415.543.8555 (0.1 miles from campus) |
| 888 Howard St San Francisco, CA 94103 415.616.6500 (0.4 miles from campus) | |
| 780 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94103 415.896.1600 (0.9 miles from campus) |
Helpful Resources
Next Steps Brochure
Information on your I-20 paperwork and visa, what to pack and other tips for arrival on campus.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
Complete all steps before you get to Pacific so you can help avoid delays or issues.
Orientation Schedule
Tour the campus, explore Stockton and find other orientation activities you might do with your fellow international students.
Academic Calendar
Want to plan your studying and traveling? Know important dates for classes, exams and holidays.